Guinness manufacturer to invest further €400 million in Kildare brewery

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

Diageo has confirmed plans to develop a new Guinness brewery in Co Kildare over the next three years.

Work on the facility is to begin this year under a €400 million investment at its site in Littleconnell, Newbridge.

It comes on top of a €300 million investment to develop a “state-of-the-art brewery” for lagers and ales at Littleconnell.

That brewery was officially opened by the Taoiseach and the chief executive of Diageo on Monday.

Micheál Martin said it “is a powerful vote of confidence in Ireland and in our future as a world‑leading, sustainable food and drink exporter”.

The brewery was constructed in under 18 months and Diageo says it is powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity, with 50 highly-skilled permanent roles associated with the site.

It will produce several beers including Rockshore, Harp, and Smithwicks as well as licenced drinks such as Carlsberg.

Diageo has secured planning permission for “Brewery 2” which will double the total site capacity at Littleconnell and be dedicated to Guinness and Guinness 0.0.

The global drinks giant said that, combined with works at St James’s Gate in Dublin and its Belfast packaging site, it will be investing nearly €1 billion across the island between 2020 and 2029.

Martin said: “By choosing to invest at this scale in Ireland and to lead the way in next‑generation, low‑carbon brewing, Diageo is supporting skilled jobs, regional development and export growth, while helping Ireland advance its climate ambitions through innovation.”

Dave Lewis, chief executive of Diageo, said demand for Guinness and Guinness 0.0. is “surging”.

He said the company was proud to unveil the new facility, adding: “How fitting that it’s in County Kildare, the birthplace of Arthur Guinness.”